Wednesday, May 3, 2017

How I Wear My: Ladylike Elegance

May is a month when it seems no matter where you look there are flowers in bloom and beautiful signs of spring at every turn so Adrienne of The Rich Life in Wine Country and I wanted to focus this month’s “How I Wear My” on Ladylike Elegance, a sartorial style that suits May so well!

We received so many photos for this roundup and I think we may say this several times a year, but this is my new favorite “How I Wear My” post. I bet Adrienne will say the same thing! Everyone is looking particularly gorgeous and fresh and fun, and I hope you get as much inspiration from looking at this post as I did putting it together. Enjoy!

Adrienne of The Rich Life in Wine Country, my “How I Wear My” partner, writes, “I practically live in jeans so I wanted to create a ladylike look for this month’s theme that would be both elegant and fit with my somewhat casual lifestyle. I bought this turquoise top at a hotel boutique. It’s by Josef Seibel. I wore it with micro flare white jeans, nude block-heeled sandals and a retro-inspired flower necklace by Kelli Hollis of Berkeley. I decided this ladylike look called for an up-do so I wound my hair into a French Twist. I forgot how easy it is to do those!”

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb writes, “I wore this red gown to the UK Blog Awards (the UK’s blogging equivalent of the Oscars) where I was shortlisted in the Individual Fashion & Beauty category—it must have brought me luck because I won... I was totally blown away! I felt a million dollars in this dress as it was the perfect shape for my hourglass figure, but I will admit I was somewhat restricted as I couldn’t pick up anything off the floor or sit very easily—it was totally worth it though. I think it will always be my lucky red dress...! My husband joined me on the night and this one taken of the two of us together is my favourite by far.”

[Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Catherine! What a huge honor. And what a great shot of her and her dapper and elegant husband!]

Yvonne of Funky Forty says, “This is how I wear my ladylike elegance. You cannot go wrong with a little black dress—it will look elegant in every situation. I like to team it up with red to make the details shine out. This photo was taken along the beautiful shores of Lago Maggiore in Switzerland.”

Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish writes, “I know pink is trending now, but I have always loved the look of red hair with pink tones. The floral pencil skirt is Ann Taylor and my statement sandals have pearls on the heel.”

[Editor’s Note: I also love to see a redhead in bright pink! And yay for pearls on shoes!]

Michelle of Retro Chic Mama has on a Rixo London dress she wore to the UK Blog Awards. She says of the two ladies who started the line just two years ago, “Their dresses are a modern boho chic combination made of the most exquisite fabrics and cut to fit and flatter. Absolutely ladylike heaven to me!”

Linda of A Labour of Life joins us once again and says of her look, “A bright yellow sheath made more ladylike with pastel accents. A flowing Kimono and a floral pump make a fashionable yet ladylike statement.”

Annette of Lady of Style sent in a photo of the black dress she wore to the UK Blog Awards. That makes three lovely ladies in this roundup who sent us photos from that event! All three of them looked gorgeous!

Cheryl of Northwest Mountain Living says, “The red top in this outfit stole my heart when I saw the tiny ruffles on the yoke and the bell sleeves. It didn’t hurt that it had a tiny short fringe around the hem. I wore it with jeans, carried a colorful clutch and wore neutral wedge sandals.”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge writes, “I recently found this dress on the clearance rack at Dress Barn. It had a slight flaw, so I received an additional 10% off the sale price, making this beauty only $19! I was not even in the market for such a dressy dress, but I love the feminine feel of the lace combined with the contrasting black and taupe colors so much that I just had to bring it home...just in case I needed it! Well, it turns out that it fits the May theme perfectly!”

Greetje of No Fear of Fashion says, “This is one of the few mixed prints outfits I have created. Or rather the shop assistant created it for me. And I like it very much. I added the black belt and black and white shoes.”

Rosemary of Distinctly Southern Style writes, “This is a Michael Kors jumpsuit that I recently wore to a charity black tie event. Although black tie refers to the gentlemen’s dress code, I find that I always feel very comfortable dressed in black too. I like to add some ‘Fire & Ice’ to black dressing! This beaded bag along with some rhinestones and diamonds does a perfect job of adding the bling for my evening!”

Sandy.

Our friend Sandy says, “White is my absolute favorite color and I can never pass up a white dress, top or pants—I have so many! This Ralph Lauren dress is crocheted and has beautiful work on the neckline and the hemline. I paired it with blush colored pumps and a matching Tory Burch handbag.”

Naomi of Coulda Shoulda Woulda writes, “This is my go-to coat dress that my mother got me for Christmas about a decade ago and it has gotten me through so many occasions. It’s loose so forgiving through thick and thin—literally! 3/4 sleeves and only three fasteners lighten it and make it flexible to wear anything underneath. Chanel for life!”

[Editor’s Note: Oh wow do I love this coat dress of Naomi’s. Chanel for life indeed!]

Nicole of High Latitude Style says, “I love dresses. They are instant polish and look professional. One can style them down to posh-casual with a denim jacket or ladylike with a pair of court shoes. One can even style them sexy. This dress has a vintage 40s-cut that I found on eBay and I made it from a black with white daisy print fabric. Daisies look so friendly.”

[Editor’s Note: I love the old hunting lodge vibe of wherever Nicole is at. I wish I could visit that restaurant!]

Ana of Mrs. American Made writes, “This is an all #madeinUSA work-appropriate outfit that has a few ladylike qualities, such as the turtleneck top with neck-tie silk bow and the patent Mary Jane T-strap shoes worn with a skirt and dark hose. The pearl drop earrings add a final classic touch. And depending on the location, I might wear this as a ‘going out’ outfit, too.”

Rosie.

My good friend Rosie says, “I like to wear black and crème together, particularly in the evening. This combination is so simple and easy to accessorize and dress up or down. I frequently wear hats and sunglasses because of the strong sun when I am in Florida. The geometric silk scarf adds to the evening look. And, my pearl necklace goes with everything.”

[Editor’s Note: I love this entire ensemble and I am especially crazy for all of the accessories!]

I think because of the post I just wrote on Catherine Zeta-Jones’ terrific travel style, and my good friend Rosie, above, looking so amazing in black and white, I could not help but want to be part of that fun! I love a ladylike spin on trousers, just as Catherine and Rosie wore, so I paired a J. Crew palm print sweater I bought last summer during their clearance sales with a Zara blazer I have had for a few years, a pair of Gap pants, and my Hermès Jigé in Rouge Vif, which is one of the best bags I ever bought (secondhand and on eBay!). I really love the embroidery on the J. Crew sweater. Here it is in detail.

With all this black and white I had to scoop up my tuxedo cat Tippi for a photo. She fits right in though she was ready to bolt as soon as I picked her up. Should’ve had some Fancy Feast in my hand!

With the ever fashionable Tippi.

I hope your spring provides many opportunities to revel in ladylike elegance!

With warmer temps on the way it’s time to get sporty! So break out your track pants and hoodie and join us for “How I Wear My: Athleisure.” If you have a fun way to style this casual trend based on athletic wear we want to see it! Send photos to us at howiwearmy@yahoo.com by June 5, 2017 and be sure to include a description of your outfit, which we will use directly in our posts.

24 comments:

First, let me say, Jill, that you look like a movie star!! I love every inch of your outfit! Second, what a gorgeous round up of outfits. I love the way Ladylike Elegance brought out so many different takes. From Catherine's breathtaking red gown to Charlotte's fun look with a t-shirt and choker. Last, it's so great to see so many new faces this month! Lots of participants came to us from The Fierce 50 Revolution - I hope we see more of them in the future! Thanks for all the hard work - looking forward to sporty looks for June! xo, A

Ahhh, Tippi is the perfect accessory for your look, Jill!! I'm quite partial to a white blazer, and so you look so fresh in this.Thanks for including my mom in this post!! It's so fun to see how all of the other women look elegant!!Jodiewww.jtouchofstyle.com

Jill I will ALWAYS love a white blazer - I love this time of year because it means I can get mine out again... Hurrah!! You look so chic in black and white :)

Thank you so much for an amazing round up of elegant looks and featuring my lucky red gown (and your very kind words - the husband's head is swelling now *roll eyes*). Ladylike looks are forever my favourite...!

This IS absolutely my favourite by far! The women all have such unique styles which is what makes it so much fun to read through. If I had to choose my top 5 It'd be - 1. Lauries amazing skirt style with a floral shirt which is surprising yet perfect 2. Greetje's mixed pattern outfit, love the accessories 3. Catherine's red gown of course because she looks like a movie star! 4. Annette's black satin gown that shows off her incredible figure 5. Finally, Suzannes vintage-esque shift, those sexy shoes & well the glasses are hot right? Boys don't make passes & all that Marilyn Monroe stuff ;-)Thanks so very much for hosting ladies xxx

You are so right. This Ladylike theme will be a hit. So, so many absolutely stunning outfits. We all should do ladylike more often haha. I am more of a jeans woman than a dress, but I am trying to balance since I was "told off" by my Italian blogger friend Daniela haha. You put on a very elegant outfit in my favourite black and white. And of course with a pop of colour. Perfect bag.I was at the UK Blog Award with the three ladies featured here (Catherine, Michelle and Annette) and Nikki, featured on Adrienne's blog). And there were two more blogger friends, all very ladylike. I was in a trouser suit as I don't have many parties to wear a long dress to. I reported on this award occasion on my blog.Greetje

Hi Rosie! I tell you, I was so inspired by your look this month! I still am. I have found that sweater on eBay but only in XXS so far. I will keep my eyes peeled! Thank you for joining us this month, you look so beautiful and glamorous! xx

Oh Naomi I am so glad you joined us this month! That Chanel piece is spectacular and you are lucky to have it. You wear it well! I especially love it with those unusual shoes. Feel free to join us anytime my dear! xx

GSL, where have you been? I would love to read your thoughts on what happened in France yesterday, as well as what is happening here. I hope all is well with you. Thank you for the compliment. And I think we are both big fans of Naomi! Wish I could meet you both for some bubbly. xx

Hi Dawn Lucy, I loved both of your photos this month, they should be in a botanical/fashion calendar. Atheleisure is going to be tricky for me for sure. I can't wait to see how everyone translates it! xx

Hi Greetje, I saw that you attended as well, that is so cool! You get to do some amazing traveling, I have to say. I am more of a jeans gal myself ha ha. I hope you will join us for Athleisure next month! xx